The OUTdoor Swimming as a nature-based Intervention for DEpression (OUTSIDE) study aims to find out if swimming outdoors can reduce symptoms and improve the lives of people experiencing depression and low mood. What will happen during the study?
Outdoor swimming does not need to involve actual swimming! It is simply about getting into water outside.
The highest temperatures seen in lakes, rivers, naturally heated lidos, reservoirs and the sea will be 20-25 ˚C, generally this occurs in late summer. Getting into water at these temperatures, and below, has a significant effect on the body. We will have swim coaches that will introduce you to an outdoor location and support you to give this a go!
Once you have submitted our online form. You will receive an email. This will include our participant sheet which gives more information about the study. Read this and follow the instructions.
If you still want to take part, complete the short questionnaire and online consent form that are in the email.
A phone call with one of our research assistants to ask questions, discuss your health history and check your eligibility.
Finally, complete some online questionnaires asking you about your wellbeing and mental health.
If you need support with any of the steps them please let us know.
Do I have to be fit?
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
How long are the sessions?
Do I need to talk about my mental health?
Do I need to get in the water if I don’t feel like it?
Do I need any equipment?
Nina Yates – Lymington Sea Baths, Bath Road, Lymington SO41 3SE
Jude Palmer and Paul MacKenzie – River Wey, Newark Lane near Woking, Newark Lane Car Park, GU23 6DP
Maggy Blagrove/Open Minds Active CIC – West Country Water Park, BS36 1RY
Hazel Fulker/Hot Roxx Coaching/swimming – Loddington farm lake, Loddington Lane, Linton, Maidstone,Kent ME17 4AG
Paul Slade – Chalkwell Beach, CHalkwell Esplanade, Leigh on Sea SS0 8JJ
Gilly McArthur, Jonny Cowie and Vicki McCreadie – Rayrigg Rd, Windermere LA23 1BP
Vikki Barret/Love the open water – Notts County Sailing Club, Hoveringham, Nottingham NG14 7JX
